Lesson 2 - Give First and Generously – Worshiping Christ Through Cheerful Generosity

This teaching explores the foundational principle that giving precedes receiving, both in the cosmos and in God's Word. The session emphasizes that tithing is not merely a financial transaction but a heart transformation that acknowledges God as the creator, sustainer, and ultimate owner of all blessings. By giving the first and best portion of our income back to God, believers demonstrate that their hope rests in Him rather than in money or material security. The teaching traces tithing from Abraham through the Mosaic law to Jesus and the early church, showing its consistent presence throughout Scripture. The core message is that when we recognize everything as belonging to God, tithing becomes a joyful response of gratitude rather than a burdensome obligation, and it positions us to receive God's abundant provision while relieving us of the false burden of trying to be our own provider. Check out all the lessons here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/discipl... Key Points: -Tithing is a pre-law principle established by Abraham before Moses, demonstrating it's rooted in covenant relationship rather than legalistic obligation -The principle of "giving before getting" is woven throughout creation itself and applies to all areas of life including relationships, fitness, and finances -Teaching children early about giving, saving, and spending wisely establishes a healthy relationship with money as a tool rather than an idol -Tithing removes the burden of trying to be God in our own lives by acknowledging Him as the ultimate provider and sustainer -The love of money, not money itself, is the root of evil; proper stewardship glorifies God -Giving should flow from a grateful heart recognizing God's blessings, not from leftovers or obligation -Jesus affirmed tithing while emphasizing that the heart attitude matters more than mechanical compliance -Common grace allows even secular successful people to understand and benefit from the principle of giving before receiving -When we give faithfully, God provides ideas, connections, and opportunities beyond just financial return -Tithing to a local church supports kingdom expansion and pastoral care for the congregation Scripture Reference: -Genesis 14 - Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek -Genesis 28 - Jacob's vow at Bethel -Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy - Mosaic law on tithing -Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with the firstfruits of your wealth -Malachi 3:8-10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse; test God in this -Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 - Jesus rebukes Pharisees for tithing without justice, mercy, and faithfulness Matthew 28:18-20 - Jesus' authority over heaven and earth -2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - Whoever sows sparingly reaps sparingly; God loves a cheerful giver -Acts 2, 4, 11 - Early church practices of generosity References to widow's offering and Zacchaeus Stories: -Video of Aaron's 2-year-old daughter Ellie learning to "first give, then save, then spend wisely" with her three pennies -Aaron's personal journey of struggling with tithing while barely making enough money for his family in SoCal -The speaker's experience at Catholic school and later disillusionment with religion, then transformation at age 29 when a pastor explained true tithing -Story of meeting an 18-year-old pastor-in-training in college who later appeared at clubs, illustrating that religious people are human too -Nephew Tommy comedy show experience where the comedian ended with powerful scripture and testimony about knowing God despite imperfections -The speaker's relationship with Pastor Craig Groeschel of Life Church, whom he's never met but supports through tithing and follows closely -Encounter at LA Fitness where a supervisor told a potential member, "If it was free, you would never use it," illustrating the principle that we value what we invest in